Affiliation:
1. Trondheim, Norway
2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway and The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial short-term effectiveness of palatal implants in treating patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Previous published studies have focused on snoring without OSA. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized study of 25 previously untreated patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 10 to 30 and a body mass index (BMI) of ≤30. Three permanent implants (Pillar; Restore Medical, St Paul, MN) were placed in the soft palate of each patient with a specially designed delivery tool in an office setting under local anesthesia after a formal polysomnography. A repeat polysomnography was obtained after 90 days. RESULTS: The AHI was reduced from a mean of 16.2 to a mean of 12.1 (P < 0.05) for the study group. Twenty of 25 patients (80%) experienced a decrease in the AHI. Twelve of 25 patients (48%) showed a post-90-day implant AHI of 10 or less, a benchmark for the possible cessation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The Epworth Sleepiness Score decreased from 9.7 to 5.5 ( P < 0.001) and the visual analog Scale of snoring intensity reported by bed partners decreased from 8.4 to 4.3 ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The palatal implant method can significantly improve AHI and other sleep-related parameters in patients with mild to moderate OSA and a BMI of ≤30. Short-term results are comparative to those reported for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty but achieved in a low-cost, single-stage, outpatient office setting with low morbidity.
Subject
Otorhinolaryngology,Surgery
Cited by
36 articles.
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